Manmohan Singh to review national security

New Delhi: In the backdrop of recent violence in Assam and exodus of Indians from the Northeast living across the country, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, accompanied by the top police officials, will take stock of the security situation in the country at three-day conference to be held here.

The high-level conference beginning on September 6 will also focus on terrorist activities in the country (especially in the wake of recent arrests in Bangalore), Naxal violence and cyber warfare.

This will be the first major conference since Sushik Kumar Shinde took charge as Home Minister.

The meeting will outline a strategy to counter the internal security challenges being faced by the country.

Besides the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, Director Generals of Police (DGPs) and Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs) will also be participating in the conference.

With the first attempt to set up a National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) ending in a naught following stiff opposition from many states (which accused the Centre of encroaching upon their turf), the Prime Minister is likely to deliberate on streamlining the counter terrorism measures of the country.

The issue of setting up the NCTC as one window response to terrorism in the country is also likely to be discussed.

As infiltration attempts from Pakistan continue unabated, the beefing up of border and coastal security will be high on agenda.

An MHA official said: "Activities of Pakistan-based terror groups enhancing intelligence capabilities and situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast will be deliberated at the meet."

The meeting will also review the information gathering mechanism -- both human and technical intelligence-- their proper sharing and necessary action.

With Assam violence bringing the problem of illegal arms to fore, the issue of illegal arms coupled with the problem of fake currency notes, modernisation of police force, procurement of arms and ammunition and filling up of police vacancies -- particularly at the constable rank -- will also be discussed.

The recent Pune serial blasts is also expected to figure prominently at the discussions, the source said.